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Central Michigan University hosts Toledo in nationally televised football game Wednesday

By Dan Chalkchalk@mdn.net

Published 7:00 pm, Monday, November 9, 2009

Back in action.

And back at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

The Central Michigan University football team has been off for 10 days.

And the Chippewas haven't played at home for a whole month.

Both of those droughts will end Wednesday night when the Chippewas host Toledo at 8 p.m. in a Mid-American Conference contest to be broadcast on ESPN2.

CMU coach Butch Jones said that, given the stretch of three straight road games and the wear and tear of the season, it's been good to have a 10-day layoff.

"We really benefited from the extra time off, especially with it being late in the season," said Jones during the MAC Football Coaches Teleconference on Monday. "We were able to get some individuals back (from injuries). We've had an extremely tough stretch in October. It's been very taxing on the players."

The Chippewas are 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the MAC, and had a seven-game winning streak before losing their most recent game on Oct. 31, 31-10 at Boston College.

"I think our kids … were very disappointed (in the loss), but they were very focused (in practice)," Jones said. "You've got to learn from your mistakes. We've had a good week of preparation."

CMU All-American quarterback Dan LeFevour was injured in the Boston College game, but Jones said LeFevour will be "100 percent" on Wednesday.

Toledo comes in at 4-5 overall and 2-3 in the MAC.

"We're facing a very explosive team in all phases (of the game)," Jones said of the Rockets. "They challenge you with multiple looks on offense, defense and special teams."

LeFevour leads all active players in the Bowl Subdivision with 132 career touchdowns. He has passed for 90 TDs, rushed for 41 and has also caught a TD pass. LeFevour is four career touchdowns ahead of Florida QB Tim Tebow.